Entertaining Bliss....
So you are vegan and none of your friends are - What is a girl to do! Let me reassure you that the options for entertainment bliss are endless so breathe a sigh of relief! I am learning that you can modify just about any dish into being vegan. You can also do the same with holiday cocktails, drinks, tea and hot chocolate. People are very open to exploring vegan menu options to expand their palette or simply due to the fact that they are curious. I have personally always loved to try new foods so time to think of combining holidays - veganism - entertainment - joy.
I thought I would share 'three' of my top holiday entertaining ideas ranging from simple to more elaborate.
The first is hosting a Hot Cocoa gathering. Hot Cocoa can be made by combining almond milk, cacao nibs, liquified raw chocolate and cinnamon - swirl - delicious. This combination creates a warm chocolate delight for your guests. This year, I am having a few friends over to complete their Christmas cards & I am serving hot cocoa w/ marshmallows & biscotti. Whole Foods and/or your local markets will have gluten free/dairy free biscotti which is truly delicious. If you are on a strict budget, try your local markets first. You can always serve 'just out of the oven' ginger snap cookies as well.
Sitting around the fire with friends & holding warm chocolate goodness spells 'holidays' to me. Setting up your hot cocoa 'bar' along your kitchen counter or on a living room table top is ideal both visually & of course, allows comfortable access to the guests. Allowing your guests to assemble their hot cocoa, choose their mug, toppings, etc. adds to the ambiance as well as to your overall theme of your evening.
This is my most simple idea as well as being my favorite. Prep time = 10 minutes.
Holiday Entertainment....
My second entertainment idea that I want to share is hosting a holiday dinner party. Keeping your menu simple yet hearty is a winning combination for the winter months. Again, I am focused on your menu being vegan fare. Vegan Chili is an excellent option if you are wondering what to serve your 'non-vegan' guests. Overall, chili tends to be a winter stable so is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
What wine to pair with chili?
There are plenty of wine pairing options for chili, especially if you prefer red wines. For a red wine lover, consider a Shiraz or select one of the many Cabernet Sauvignons. These specific red wines will be able to handle the hearty consistency, tomatoes and bit of traditional chili spice (cumin, chiles, etc.). For those of you that are fans of white wine, you would do well with an Alsace Riesling or even a sparkling wine like Cava - where the bubbles can help cut the spice. Finally, a dry Rose would be a very viable chili pairing option.
About.com drink guides is fabulous - by the way - when wondering what cocktails go best with what dish.
This is easily the best dish to show off your vegan culinary skills and I am certain your guests will leave wanting more. Bon Appetit!
Holiday Cookie Exchange....
Hosting a holiday cookie exchange is a big undertaking but such a festive fun idea!!!! I think it is best to keep your guest list small if you plan to use your kitchen via prep work & baking. Set-up 4 baking stations, turn up the holiday music & serve hot apple cider. Love & laughter will round out the entertainment.
A cookie exchange with a twist is even better......in my humble pie opinion.
Instead of simply exchanging cookies, why not compile the cookies into vintage glass jars, add colorful ribbon and give them to your family and friends as hostess gifts. Who wouldn't love a jar of homemade cookies to munch on Christmas morning or the days that follow? Trust me, everyone would love it!!!!
You can find glass jars at any Family Dollar Store. JoAnne Fabrics has a host of ribbon options at a really low cost. The remaining cost is that of your own ingredient list - your guests will bring their own.
So, you are essentially hosting a gathering to bake holiday treats - as gifts - for those you hold most near & dear. I have to say that I would rather receive a jar filled with my favorite vegan treats than another sweater, lotion or potion. It's incredibly personal & well, delicious! Finally, this is a gift everyone in the family can and will enjoy.
If your guests get tired from baking so many cookies, you can always gather the ingredients in a jar, attach a ribbon & print out the recipe and this - too - is a wonderful hostess gift. I included a picture for you below!
{psst...If you are vegan, this is an excellent entertaining idea as you are the one supplying your own recipe & ingredients}.
Cookies in a Jar {example}...
If you do not want to bake the cookies, here is an example of gathering the ingredients in the jar w/ the recipe attached.
